The final battle (1)
“Speak! Where is the meeting point?!”
In the interrogation room, the bright lights were almost blinding, causing the captured criminal suspect sitting across from them to struggle to keep his eyes open, until he was abruptly awakened by a loud shout from the police officer, nearly jumping out of his seat in surprise.
After five days and nights without sleep, his physical exhaustion was evident as tears welled up in the corners of his eyes.
During these five days, he hadn’t eaten properly either, enduring continuous interrogations while the police could take shifts to rest. His sunken eye sockets and cracked lips made him look extremely disheveled.
“Comrade officer, sir, I really don’t know…” The man sobbed uncontrollably, rambling nonsensically.
The police officer sitting opposite him glanced at someone as a knock came at the door: “Time to eat, we’ve got steamed pork, sticky rice chicken, shredded pork with garlic sauce, and white rice.”
Despite only receiving plain food like congee and steamed buns these past few days, the mention of meat caused the suspect’s eyes to light up eagerly, saliva practically dripping from his mouth.
The officers closed their notebooks and stood up, causing the man to let out a sigh of relief, thinking he could finally close his eyes and rest for a while.
But unexpectedly, the iron door creaked open once more, and two detectives walked in, each clutching a notebook under their arm.
This repetitive cycle continued, day and night, as the lights in the interrogation room never once flickered off.
Shortly after midnight, the door of the interrogation room swung open once again, and a detective hurried out with a folder in hand.
Command Center.
Zhao Junfeng looked at the transcripts handed to him, a faint smile appearing on his lips. “Go, get some steamed pork, sticky rice chicken, shredded pork with garlic sauce, and white rice. Prepare a portion for him as well.”
Before long, a young officer entered the interrogation room carrying a box of food.
Feng Jianguo couldn’t help but sigh. “Director Zhao, that move of yours is really clever.”
Facing his former subordinate, Zhao Junfeng also relaxed a bit, lifting a teacup to take a sip with a smile.
“It’s nothing. People are made of steel, but food is made of iron. You can’t do drugs every day, but you do need to eat every meal.”
Speaking of drugs, a trace of worry creased his brow.
“Bring me the map.”
Several people hurriedly laid out a map of Jiangcheng City in front of him, with the electronic display screen syncing up with the map as well.
Zhao Junfeng made a note with his pen. “The drug dealer confessed that the meeting point is near the third channel bridge of Wanghai Bridge. The cargo ship carrying the drugs will navigate from this location to complete the transaction with the buyer, entering our country through nearby ports.”
Feng Jianguo furrowed his brow, but before he could speak, someone knowledgeable interjected, “The waters under Wanghai Bridge can reach depths of 50 meters, with a navigational tonnage of 10,000 tons. Since its opening, it has been a busy route for cargo ships, making it one of the key maritime areas in our country. It may be challenging to investigate there.”
These observations were not lost on Zhao Junfeng, who slowly raised his head, gazing at the distracted Feng Jianguo.
“Old Feng, what do you think?”
The information from Lin Yan pointed to the Zhongjing Industrial Port, while the location discovered by Zhao Junfeng was the waterway under Wanghai Bridge.
At this moment, it was impossible to ascertain the truth from the lies.
Pretending to have just woken up, he stifled a yawn behind his hand.
“Well, I do see some logic in it. Look here…” He pointed to a few areas on the electronic display screen.
“Although the waters under Wanghai Bridge are one of the busiest sea routes in the West Sea, once they pass through this section, they can head east, bypassing an artificial island.”
Feng Jianguo tapped the map twice with his finger.
“Further ahead, 212 nautical miles is the open sea.”
This distance is not far at sea. If an ordinary cargo ship travels at a speed of 12 knots per hour, it would take less than 24 hours to reach outside of China’s territorial waters. At that point, there would be no way to catch the drug traffickers, and they would have to request cooperation from Interpol. With all the red tape and protocols involved, the traffickers would have long disappeared. Therefore, they must not let it come to that.
Zhao Junfeng’s brows furrowed tightly, and after a while, a sense of authority emerged on his face, as he slammed the table hard, causing the teacup to jump.
“No matter what, we cannot let the traffickers escape into the open sea. Pass on my orders, immediate action starts now. Since they plan to conduct the transaction at sea, they must need to load and unload goods at the dock. Check the major ports, shipping companies, and don’t overlook even small fishing boats!”
“Yes!” Hu Senji saluted respectfully, prepared to turn and begin arranging the deployment, but he was stopped.
Zhao Junfeng glanced at Feng Jianguo.
“As for the jurisdiction of Jiangcheng City, the Criminal Investigation Team personnel are more familiar with it. Let them handle it.”
Having said that, Feng Jianguo naturally had no objections. Xue Rui and the City Anti-Drug Brigade team members then left to carry out the mission.
The operations command room quickly became busy.
Zhao Junfeng remained seated in front of the electronic display screen, not budging from his spot. He glanced casually at his sleeve cuff and remarked nonchalantly.
“When did you go out?”
A few hours ago, he had secretly gone to see Song Yuhang. It was raining outside, and he hadn’t had a chance to change clothes yet.
The slightly damp spot on his cuff was from a water droplet sliding down from the umbrella, indicating that the place he went was a bit distant from the city bureau.
Feng Jianguo maintained his composure and pulled out a tissue to wipe it off. “Oh, you even noticed that. I was thinking about how I might have to spend several days and nights away from home again. My granddaughter is so fond of me. I need to go back and spend some time with her. Look at this drool all over me, it’s a mess.”
The old man lifted the teacup to take a sip, a hint of a smile and a touch of regret in his eyes.
“When the case is over, make sure to spend quality time with the children.”
“That’s true. My children are all working outside, leaving only my wife to take care of our granddaughter. It’s quite pitiful.”
“Oh, by the way.” He casually remembered something. “I heard that Song Yuhang was injured again.”
“It was a street altercation. She got slashed by someone and has been taken into custody.”
Feng Jianguo explained, adding one more sentence at the end.
“She’s recuperating at the city hospital. Would you like to go and see her?”
Zhao Junfeng turned his face away.
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“No need. At this critical moment, I can’t leave the city bureau. Besides, if anyone should visit, it should be her coming to see me!”
As he spoke, there was a hint of arrogance in his tone.
Feng Jianguo chuckled, causing the folds of fat on his face to gather together, resembling a shrewd and flattering fox.
“Indeed, indeed, you’re absolutely right.”
Even though she didn’t have to engage in frontline combat, there was still plenty of work to be done in the laboratory.
Fang Xin was deeply focused on her work at the operating table when someone unexpectedly knocked on the glass in front of her.
Duan Cheng mouthed, “Rooftop. See you there.”
Fang Xin rolled her eyes, too lazy to pay him any attention.
However, the person gestured with clasped hands, pleading silently. “Please, please.”
Fang Xin, feeling a sense of resignation, reluctantly signaled back with an “OK.”
After a while, once she had changed her clothes and climbed to the rooftop, the rain had subsided. Down in the parking lot, police cars with flashing lights were lined up, and armed officers were hopping into the vehicles from time to time.
The imminent battle was about to begin.
Duan Cheng, not holding an umbrella, was waiting for her in a loose-fitting hoodie. Previously, his hair had been quite long, covering his eyes in a way that gave him a look of a dedicated otaku. But now, he had shaved his head, and the stubble on his head matched the one on his chin, giving him a more masculine appearance.
Fang Xin was taken aback by this slight change in him, feeling a mix of surprise and an inexplicable sense of shyness.
“What… do you want with me?”
It was still that deserted place with no one around.
Duan Cheng scratched his head, feeling a bit awkward.
“I just got my haircut yesterday. Does it look good?”
Fang Xin coughed involuntarily, almost choking on her own saliva.
“It’s… fine.”
Stepping closer, Duan Cheng asked, “Fine? So, does that mean you like it?”
“Who… who said I liked it? Although the hairstyle is okay, but…” Fang Xin blushed and instinctively stepped back, accidentally stepping on a small stone on the slippery road. She stumbled, but was quickly supported by someone.
“Be careful!”
The arm that held onto her waist was firm and strong, exuding a masculine scent. Their eyes met, and both their hearts started racing intensely.
Duan Cheng swallowed nervously, his left hand constantly patting the velvet box in his pocket.
His palm was sweaty, and the usually smooth-talking man seemed at a loss for words.
Fang Xin regained her composure and pushed him away, standing with a red face.
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll go back first.”
“Uh…” Duan Cheng took a few steps forward, but the police sirens downstairs started blaring again, and the urgent call to duty couldn’t be delayed.
A look of struggle flickered across the young man’s face.
Fang Xin’s racing heart gradually settled down, her face returning to normal. She turned and walked away.
“I’m going back now, little brother. If there’s nothing important, don’t disturb sister while I’m doing experiments.”
“When will you stop seeing me as a kid?”
Fang Xin stopped in her tracks, giving him a puzzled look. “Then how should I see you?”
“Men.” Duan Cheng lifted his chin slightly, watching as the first police car slid out of the city bureau gates. His phone kept vibrating in his pocket.
He was running out of time, so he only had time to lean in close to her and press a kiss on her forehead before swiftly running downstairs, leaving behind his words, his masculine silhouette, and the greenish nape of his neck.
“Wait for me to come back. I will prove to you that I am no longer a boy but a strong, dependable man.”
Fang Xin was left perplexed by this unexpected statement, but a hint of sweetness seeped into her heart. She touched the spot where he had just kissed her, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
In her mind, he was a fool, perhaps ever since he shot a murderer.
Duan Cheng was no longer synonymous with youthfulness; otherwise, why would she keep her distance from him?
The vitality radiating from the young man made her blush and her heart race, evoking a sense of longing in her.
Fang Xin looked up at the dark sky in the distance.
She hoped the day would break soon, and that everything would be well with the one she loved.
Four in the morning.
The most exhausted time of day for people.
Central Hospital.
The medical staff on duty at the triage station were all asleep at their desks. A cart slowly rolled over, with a nurse carefully supporting a tray on top.
A doctor rubbed his eyes and lifted his head. “What’s this for?”
“Bed 15 needs a medication change.”
He put on his glasses, flipped through a few pages of the patient records, and indeed, it was time. He waved his hand.
“Alright, you can go.”
The nurse nodded, pushing the medication cart to the innermost room in the corridor. She took out a pre-copied fingerprint card, verified it, and gently opened the glass shielded door.
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This detail went unnoticed by everyone.
Song Yuhang was still lying in bed quietly receiving an IV drip, sleeping on her side with even breathing.
The person carefully placed the medication cart against the wall without turning on the light. They pulled out a watermelon knife from underneath the tray and stealthily approached the bedside.
As long as they cut her carotid artery, even immortals couldn’t save her.
The man swallowed nervously and walked to the bedside. With a swift movement, he pulled back the blanket, ready to strike, but as the blade came down, cotton wool flew out.
It was a fake一A doll!
Startled, before he could gather his wits, a shadow leapt out from the closet above and landed a powerful kick, sending him crashing onto the bed. The impact on his head was so strong that he began to foam at the mouth, the knife in his hand almost falling to the ground, creating a commotion.
Song Yuhang firmly held his arm, controlling him, then kicked the knife into the air. She caught it with her right hand and instead of cleanly slashing his neck, she fiercely slammed the handle into his temple, knocking him unconscious.
The man fell limp to the ground. Song Yuhang stripped him of his clothes and dressed herself in them. She grabbed a prepared rope and tied him up securely, lifting him onto the bed. She handcuffed his wrists to the bedrail, gagged him with a pillow to prevent him from shouting. Hastily cleaning up the signs of the struggle on the floor, she placed the watermelon knife back in the medication cart. Finally, she put on a nurse’s hat, walked out confidently.
She had anticipated someone coming to kill her, and she had been worried about not being able to escape. The timing was perfect.
As she exited the ICU ward corridor, she pushed the medication cart aside and entered the restroom.
Before long, a young woman in a military green jacket, duckbill cap, and black mask emerged and melted into the crowd.
“How is it?”
The woman knelt on the ground, licking the powder on the foil, nodding repeatedly, with her hair scattered like a scruffy dog.
Lin Ge waved his hand, and his followers removed it.
Jin Xia rushed over, “No… please don’t…”
Lin Ge lifted her face, “Good girl, help me with something. Do it well, and I’ll reward you.”
Jin Xia, confused, glanced at the neatly arranged syringes next to her, swallowing nervously.
“W-what… What do you want me to do?”
Lin Ge personally helped her up, patting her hand with infinite tenderness.
“You did a good job poisoning last time. The old man’s health is deteriorating day by day, prolonging his suffering. Why not let him…go…in happiness now.”
His words were filled with a hint of gritted teeth as he handed her a packet of powder.
“Go on, I’ll wait for good news from you.”
Jin Xia, filled with fear, as if holding a hot potato, shrank back, “No… no… I dare not… What… what is this?”
“Arsenic trioxide, commonly known as ‘arsenic’,” Lin Ge smiled, holding her hand tightly, inch by inch pushing her back.
“You don’t have to do it, your drug use, illegal fundraising, and the incident with several male actors having a nude party at a villa… I can make it go viral on social media right now without waiting for dawn.”
Tears welled up in Jin Xia’s eyes, her lips trembling as she choked, “You… you are not human… you’re… you’re a beast!”
“You’re right,” Lin Ge lightly kissed her neck.
“It’s best to behave in front of a beast, Miss Jin, otherwise, I can’t guarantee what I might do.”
He gently wiped her tears and cupped her face.
“I promise you, after this is done, I’ll marry you and all those things will be forgotten. I’ll destroy the videos, and you’ll have a lifetime of endless new toys to play with.”
“I’ll give you the best. Go ahead, it’s time for you to repay me now.”
Lin Ge’s words seemed to possess a magical force, and his pitch-black pupils drew her in, causing her to continuously plummet.
Jin Xia gradually stopped crying, clutching the packet of powder tightly.
Lin family’s residence.
Apart from Butler Lin, there was another person who could freely enter and exit here.
It was still dark outside, and Butler Lin wouldn’t come to take care of Lin Youyuan for another hour.
Like Lin Yan, he didn’t like the servants living in his house.
Therefore, before dawn, the Lin family’s residence was deserted, with only a few guards standing at the gate, and the vast estate was empty.
The guards didn’t stop her; in fact, they respectfully opened the gates for her.
With each step, the woman felt like she was dancing on the edge of a knife, especially when she reached the second floor. She began frantically swallowing saliva, the cold sweat seeping from her palms making the packet of powder slightly damp.
Lin Ge’s words echoed in her ears.
“You don’t need to do anything. Just pour this packet of powder into his water glass.”
“No one will suspect you. Go on, be bold, go. When you come back, we will get married.”
With a soft creak, Jin Xia gently pushed open the door. Lin Youyuan lay flat on the bed, wearing an oxygen mask, extremely thin, with a pallid complexion. He looked like he didn’t have much time left.
Nervously swallowing saliva due to tension, she moved forward cautiously, inching closer step by step.
In just a few steps, she took several minutes to walk.
For some reason, as she looked at him lying quietly there, Jin Xia also felt a sense of fear, as if he were a dormant lion.
She was afraid that any movement she made would startle him, causing him to wake up and then bite her neck.
Her imagination scared her, causing her to break out in a cold sweat, her eyes turning red. Before reaching the edge of the bed, the person lying on the bed suddenly started coughing violently.
“Cough, cough, cough…”
Startled, Jin Xia fell back on the ground. Seeing him continue to cough without any other movement, she got up and rushed over.
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“Master, Master…”
With that, she gently helped him up, patting his back to ease his breathing.
Lin Youyuan opened his hazy eyes and glanced at her.
“It’s you.”
As he turned away, he began coughing again.
Jin Xia picked up the water glass on the table, added some hot water from the bottle, and handed it to him. Whether out of fear or some other reason, her hand was trembling as she offered it to him.
“Master, have some water.”
Lin Youyuan took a sip from her hand and felt better, squinting as he looked at her.
“Why are you here?”
Jin Xia forced a smile and said, “I came to check on you.”
“You dared to come back?!” Lin Youyuan raised his hand and slapped her hard.
“You shameless creature! Did you think I wouldn’t find out about your mischief outside?!”
Jin Xia covered her face, lowered her head in extreme sorrow, her face showing a pitiful expression while a hint of malice flashed in her eyes.
This slap triggered her memories, the days when she endured his capricious temper and touched his flab (loose flesh) pretending to be satisfied, all under Lin Youyuan’s control. It made her feel extremely disgusted.
“I’m sorry, Master…” she sobbed.
Before she could finish her words, perhaps due to anger, Lin Youyuan started coughing violently again. The phlegm landed on the bed beside the bowl, as he bent over coughing, Jin Xia picked up the water glass once more, shaking her sleeves, and the powder trickled down quietly.
It quickly dissolved into the water.
She knelt on the ground, enduring the foul smell of the patient’s vomit, smiling insincerely.
“Master, have a sip of water slowly; I’ll go call the doctor.”